GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES) is activated by the electronic brake control mdoule (EBCM) calculating the desired yaw rate and comparing it to the actual yaw rate input. The desired yaw rate is calculated from measured steering wheel position, vehicle speed, and lateral acceleration. The difference between the desired yaw rate and actual yaw rate is the yaw rate error, which is a measurement of oversteer or understeer. If the yaw rate error becomes too large, the EBCM will attempt to correct the vehicle's yaw motion by applying differential braking to the left or right front wheel.

The amount of differential braking applied to the left or right front wheel is based on both the yaw rate error and side slip rate error. The side slip rate error is a function of the lateral acceleration minus the product of the yaw rate and vehicle speed. The yaw rate error and side slip rate error are combined to produce the total delta velocity error. When the delta velocity error becomes too large and the VSES system activates, the drivers steering inputs combined with the differential braking will attempt to bring the delta velocity error toward zero.

The VSES activations generally occur during aggressive driving, in the turns or bumpy roads without much use of the accelerator pedal. When braking during VSES activation, the brake pedal will feel different than the ABS pedal pulsation. The brake pedal pulsates at a higher frequency during VSES activation.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Perform the Steering Position Sensor Test in order to verify if the steering wheel position sensor (SWPS) is operating properly.

  2. Verify that the lateral accelerometer input parameter is within the valid range.

  3. Verify that the yaw rate input parameter is within the valid range.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

1

Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Observe the VSES Is Centered parameter in the VSES data list.
  4. Perform the Diagnostic Test Drive. Refer to Diagnostic Test Drive .

Did the scan tool display Yes within the specified value?

30 seconds

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

With the scan tool, perform the With the scan tool, perform the Steering Position Sensor Test.

Did the SWPS pass the test?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

With a scan tool, observe the Lateral Accelerometer Input parameter in the VSES data list.

Does the scan tool display within the specified range?

2.3-2.7 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

With a scan tool, observe the Yaw Rate Sensor Input parameter in the VSES data list.

Does the scan tool display within the specified range?

2.3-2.7 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

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7

Replace the steering wheel position sensor (SWPS). Refer to Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

8

Replace the lateral accelerometer sensor. Refer to Lateral Accelerometer Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the yaw rate sensor. Refer to Vehicle Yaw Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

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10

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2